The women’s expectation and perception of ultrasound examination during pregnancy: a prospective observational study

Amaç

The aim of the study was to explore the women’s expectation and perception of the ultrasound (US) examination in pregnancy.

Yöntem

A questionnaire containing defined or open-ended questions was distributed to women, who were pregnant or had ever delivered a baby (n=54). The questionnaire contained demographics and 25 questions related to the US examinations during pregnancy. Some questions looked for continuous and others for categorical variables. The data were analyzed by using descriptive and chi-square tests. A p value <0.05 was considered significant.

Bulgular

The demographic data, living standards and the family planning characteristics of the participating women are summarized in Table 1. Most of the women (88%) considered the US examination as mandatory during pregnancy, and proposed that an obstetrician (89%) should perform the US. Most of the women (80%) suggested their partner’s attendance in the examination room. US examinations performed at tertiary level were mainly more trusted (50%). Operators that shared and demonstrated the findings were generally preferred (58%). The mean number of required US examinations and the mean examination duration were stated as 7.5±3.2 per pregnancy and 15.7±11.5 minutes, respectively. Majority of the women believed that US was risk-free (43%), however might be detrimental in certain conditions. Only 23% of the women considered that vaginal US was safe during pregnancy. The US was stated to be the paramount scanning method by 41%, the most risk-free scanning method by 25%, and the most practical and simple method by 21% of the women. Some women (38%) stated that Doppler US examination should be performed in every pregnancy or in case of a physician’s order (40%). Seventy-seven percent described the main purpose of the US examination as the reflection of the baby’s healthy and 80% defined US as “a method of better assessment of the health of the baby”. An examination with a duration longer than expected was perceived as a problem in the baby (36%) or as the examiner’s caring attitude (43%). In referrals to another center, most of the women (59%) were anxious about the possibility of a problem in the baby. During their last pregnancy, the participating women had 5.3±3.4 standard US examinations and 1.6±1.2 3D-US examinations. Moreover, 52% believed that 3D-US had better diagnostic accuracy. The majority (69%) think that particularly a good examiner using a good machine could identify all abnormalities of the baby.

Sonuç

The perception and the expectation of the women have differences from the current scientific data and applications. Most women require further detailed information on US examinations.  

Anahtar Kelimeler

Ultrasound, antenatal diagnosis, perception, attitude, diagnostic services

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